How God Works – Part 1

Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. Acts 3:2

The Bible says: ‘When he saw Peter and John…he asked them for money…Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly…he jumped to his feet and began to walk…’ (vv. 3-8). This story raises three questions: 1) What’s your area of weakness? That’s important to know, because a handicap in one area can cripple you in other areas. Apart from lacking strength in his ankles this man was ‘normal’, but his weakness stopped him from living a happy life. We all struggle with something. ‘The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience…’ (1 Corinthians 10:13). 2) How are you handling your weakness? This man was at the temple gate to beg. Why are you there? You need to know that before you can get up and move on. Refuse to settle there; rise up and say: ‘This may be who I am now, but by God’s grace it’s not who I’m going to be!’ 3) What are you expecting? A crutch to help you live with your problem? A way to avoid doing what’s necessary to become whole? This man was looking for handouts, not healing. But handouts won’t get you back on your feet. Furthermore, when your focus is limited to what people can do for you, it can cause you to miss what God can do for you. By God’s power this man got up and walked—and you can, too.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be open to Your power and what You can do now in my life, and then be willing to step forward with what You have planned. In Jesus’ Name, Amen